ABC.COM AND CMA TO LAUNCH CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE

Country Music fans have the opportunity to view behind-the-scenes action from 2007 CMA Music Festival online at ABC.com. ABC and CMA are partnered to present an online, interactive experience that gives fans a backstage pass to some of their favorite artists and events during the summer's biggest Country Music celebration hosted by former "Bachelor" participant Bob Guiney.

The four-day festival, which was held June 7-10, in Nashville, was filmed for a two-hour, primetime network television special. "CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock" airs MONDAY, JULY 23 (9:00-11:00 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.

CMA Music Festival drew a record crowd of 191,000 from every state and 21 foreign countries, and Guiney and his crew were in the thick of it, including backstage interviews with Martina McBride and Sugarland during the stadium concerts at LP Field; hanging out during the daytime concerts with Terri Clark and Craig Morgan; catching the autograph signings in the Fan Fair Exhibit Hall with Trace Adkins; and exclusive interviews with Billy Ray Cyrus and Bucky Covington on their tour buses.

The exclusive videos featured on ABC.com debut Sunday, July 9. The video vignettes will also be featured on the homepage of ABC.com.

"Country music fans are incredibly loyal, and we wanted to offer them behind-the-scenes moments from the Festival that they couldn't get anywhere else," said Alexis Rapo, vice president, Digital Media, ABC Television Network. "This is a great way to bring the Festival and the stars even closer to the audience."

"We are very excited to offer this virtual experience of the CMA Music Festival," said Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Operating Officer. "Not only will this give fans an idea of what to expect from the ABC special, but it will also show how expansive the event has become. Bob Guiney covered the Festival with the enthusiasm of a first time attendee, and I believe we made a convert!"

"I had such a great time meeting with all of the country stars. They were all sincerely excited to be a part of the event -- and their fans were incredible," said Guiney. "I've definitely been converted!"

The online content will use Macromedia Flash technology to stream these exclusive videos on-demand and allow fans quick and easy access to the fun and diversity of CMA Music Festival that was developed and designed by interactive marketing company Hi-Fi Fusion.

"CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock" is a CMA production. Robert Deaton is the Executive Producer. Gary Halvorson is the Director. The special was shot in high definition and will be broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound.

About CMA Music Festival

The 2008 CMA Music Festival will take place Thursday through Sunday, June 5-8, in Downtown Nashville and tickets are available now. Fans who want to experience the excitement of the Festival firsthand, can order tickets by calling 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378); visiting www.CMAfest.com to download an order form to fax or mail; or visiting www.ticketmaster.com to buy online or charge-by-phone at (615) 255-9600. Prices do not include applicable handling fees. Ticket prices are subject to change without notice. All sales are final and non-refundable.

For up-to-the-minute information about tickets, travel information, schedules, artists appearing at 2008 CMA Music Festival and more, visit www.CMAfest.com and sign up for CMA Exclusive, a periodic e-newsletter with exciting artist features and Country Music news.

CMA Music Festival is organized and produced by the Country Music Association. CMA Board member Tony Conway is the Executive Producer of CMA Music Festival. Premiere Radio Networks is the official radio broadcaster. Chevy: The Official Ride of Country Music. Fan Fair� is a registered trademark of CMA.